August 2010 Stated Communication

Written by aid of the Secretary's Minutes --- Photographs by WB Darrel Womack

Following dinner and prior to opening of Lodge, Mr. Steve Schmidt, coach of the Northwest Little League Minors team sponsored by St. John’s, spoke to the assembled brothers and guests. He introduced two of the players who expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to play for the Masons. Coach Schmidt and players David Schmidt and Sam Hollebeke presented a picture of the team to Worshipful Master MWBro. Al Jorgensen. These two boys also were among the top players in the league and named to the all-stars team.

The Lodge opened on the third degree at 7:30pm, twenty-seven members and eight visitors in attendance as per Tyler's Register. The above officers were in their stations and places, except that Bro. John Louderback took the place of the absent Senior Steward and Bro. Eric Koteles took that of the absent Marshal.

The American flag was presented by the Marshal and deposited in a place of honor in the East. The Worshipful Master called upon the Marshal to lead the brethren in the pledge to the flag.

Following the Tyler’s standing invitation to tile the outer door and join his brethren at the inner door, the Worshipful Master called upon the Senior Deacon to introduce our visitors with the exception of Masters, Wardens, and Grand Lodge officers and committeemen. In attendance and receiving a warm St. John’s welcome were two visiting brothers, Bros. Glenn Hoff (Occidental Lodge No. 72), and Steve Lowe (Greenwood Lodge No. 253). Also present were Chaplain Bro. Alex LaBarba (Doric Lodge No. 92), and Musician Bro. Adam Creighton (Greenwood Lodge No. 253).

The Junior Warden introduced his counterpart, WBro. Al Gustafson of Lafayette Lodge No. 241. He was accorded a warm St. John's welcome.

The Master then instructed the Senior Deacon to escort the Grand Lodge officers and committeemen East of the Altar and extended a hand of friendship to each as he announced their names. In attendance were, WBro. Hans Wehl (Public Schools), WBro. Darrel Womack (Chmn. Photography), VWBro. Jim Maher (Finance, MRC Trustee, Long Range Planning), Bro. Bob Phillips (CHIP), WBro. Vinny DiGulio (CHIP), WBro. Terry Grove (Chmn. CHIP Committee, Charity), VWBro. Charles Tupper (DDGM 5), WBro. Neil Quinn (Grand Orator), VWBro. Coe Tug Morgan (Asst. Grand Secretary emeritus), MWBro. Sat Tashiro, (PGM, CHIP Foundation, Jurisprudence), MWBro. Al Jorgensen (PGM, Jurisprudence, Masonic Retirement Center Trustee), MWBro. Gale Kenney (PGM, Jurisprudence), and RWBro. Jerry Lingle (Junior Grand Warden), all of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Washington. They were accorded the public Grand Honors.

RWBro. Lingle and VWBro. Tupper were invited to sit with the Worshipful Master in the East.

The minutes of the previous communication were read in short form and were available in full as posted at the Tyler’s door. The minutes reflected the following:

The bills, having been reviewed by three acting members of the finance committee (WBros. Mike Wilderman, David Campbell, and Terry Grove), were submitted to the Lodge for approval. After the acting chairman, WBro. Wilderman, attested to the accuracy of each bill or invoice, he stated the expenditures were in order and moved for the payment of the bills. On vote of the brethren, the bills were approved for payment.

Trestleboards and letters of communication were distributed. Concerning each, the Secretary reported the following:

We have received a kind note from MWBro. Harold Tucker expressing his regrets that he is unable to attend our 150^th anniversary celebration. With his wife Shirley, MWBro. Tucker has been selected to go on an “honor flight” to Washington DC. Honor Flight Network is a non-profit organization created solely to honor America's veterans for all their sacrifices. They fly our heroes to Washington, D.C. to visit and reflect at their war memorials.

Our visitor of last month from Hawaiian Lodge of Honolulu Bro. Raymund Liongson has sent a note to express his appreciation for the friendship and brotherly love “so much alive in our Institution.” He enjoyed his Seattle visit and was most impressed with our hospitality.

Garfield Lodge No. 41 invites all brothers to attend their annual salmon BBQ tomorrow evening in LaConner. Dinner will be served at 6pm, followed by a brief stated communication. (Officers and members of St. John’s will be presenting a check to help pay for their lodge roof repair.)

The Greenwood Food Bank and Volunteers of America remind us of the opportunity to share in our community. We have received an annual report of the NeighborCare Health volunteer organization. The NeighborCare Health network includes the Greenwood Medical Clinic on N. 85^th.

We have received newsletters and trestleboards from the Seattle Youth Symphony Orchestra, Daylight Lodge No. 232, and Lafayette Lodge No. 241.

Bro. David Flood thanked all those who helped to make the annual lodge picnic a success, particularly expressing appreciation to brothers Joe Oates, Terry Grove, George Rine, John Louderback, and Errol Scott. It truly was a group effort. In recent years we have seen these numbers:

	adults	child	Families
2004 Final Count	97	8	31
2005 Final count	90	17	35
2006 Final count	104	14	38
2007 Final Count	83	9	30
2008 Final Count	119	22	45
2009 Final Count	65	14	33
2010 Final Count	65	13	31

MWBro. Sat Tashiro reported that the Board of Trustees met last week, noting that our portfolio had increased 10.13% from the previous quarter. A “Memo of Understanding” was approved to clarify that the funds for roof repair of Garfield Lodge will be returned to St. John's should their building be sold prior to September 1, 2025. We are nearing our budget ceiling to celebrate St. John’s 150^th anniversary. It is recommend that the lodge not entangle itself with PayPal to purchase company store items or to pay annual dues. The preliminary 2011 budget was reviewed based on 5% of our July 30 portfolio. Some changes to our bylaws will be read at the August stated communication for action at the September meeting.

In the absence of chairman VWBro. Chuck Brockway, MWBro. Al Jorgensen reported that the 150^th anniversary committee has been finalizing preparations for next month’s celebration. On September 11^th, at 1pm, the Grand Lodge will symbolically re-constitute our lodge, with St. John's members and officers participating in the ceremony. That evening a reception and dinner will be held on the top floor of the Columbia Tower, downtown. Ill. Bro. Jim Tresner of Oklahoma, will be our principal speaker, with music and dancing to follow. Close to 200 members and guests are expected to be in attendance.

WBro. Terry Grove and Bro. Ron Woodall and visiting Bros. Steve Lowe and Bob Phillips were honored with a rendition of “Happy Birthday” to celebrate achieving one more year in their journey through life.

VWBro. Charles Tupper was invited by the Master to brief the brethren on what takes place during the constitution of a lodge. He directed the officers and members to take their appropriate positions in a short practice and run-through that will occur on the 11^th of September during the re-constitution ceremony.

The Master called on the brothers who volunteered to follow up on those gentlemen who sought additional information about the fraternity while visiting the Masonic booth at the Fremont Fair. Bro. John Louderback reported that his contact had given an incorrect email address, but that after calling several parties with a similar name in the telephone book, he was able to reach the father who put him in touch with the gentleman. He hopes to attend a dinner in the coming month(s). VWBro. Ashley Brinkley referred his contact, who wishes to attend a local West Seattle lodge, to Alki Lodge No. 152. VWBro. Charlie Tupper has had no response from his referral.

A great share of the committed expenses for the 150^th anniversary celebration will become due and payable preceding our next stated communication. The Master entertained a motion that the lodge authorize the payment of expenses for the 150^th anniversary within the limitations of our approved budget. It was so moved, seconded and carried.

The Master directed the Secretary to read changes to our bylaws as proposed by the Board of Trustees:

Section 1. There shall be a ~~nine~~ seven-member Board of Trustees consisting of; the Worshipful Master, ~~Junior Past Master~~, Senior Warden, Secretary, and Treasurer (who shall be ex-officio Trustees during their terms), and ~~four~~ three elected members of the Lodge. No two members of the same family, by birth, marriage, or related to a significant other, can be a Trustee unless one is the Master of the Lodge.

Section 2. At each annual election of officers of the Lodge there shall be elected one Trustee who shall serve a term of ~~four~~ three years from the date of such election, and until his successor is elected and qualified. If a Trustee is unable to complete his term in office, notice will be given to the Lodge members and a special election held. The newly elected Trustee will complete the remaining term of the Trustee he is replacing. Qualification shall consist of oral acceptance of the office in open Lodge or written acceptance thereof filed with the Secretary. (6/17/09)

Section 3. Unless a Trustee is appointed by the Worshipful Master, the Worshipful Master shall serve as the ex-officio Chairman of the Trustees. The Secretary ex-officio shall serve as the Secretary of the Board. ~~Five~~ Four members of the Board which must include at least one elected Trustee shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. (6/17/09)

b) To conduct regular quarterly Board of Trustee meetings. The Secretary shall provide written notice of the date, time, and place of regular quarterly meetings to each member of the Board of Trustees by personal delivery, or regular mail, or e-mail at least fifteen (15) calendar days in advance of each meeting. Any three members of the Board may, in writing, call for a special meeting of the Board at any time, provided that notice is provided as set forth above. Any action that may be taken by the Board of Trustees may be taken without a meeting only if consent in writing, setting forth the action so taken, is signed by all members of the Board of Trustees. Trustees may waive the right to notice of a meeting in writing, and such waivers will be recorded by the Secretary; (6/17/09)

c) To review the annual budget as prepared by the Senior Warden with assistance of the Treasurer and Secretary and submit the budget to the Lodge with its recommendation for approval; (6/17/09)

d) To review monthly the expenditures of the Lodge. The Trustees will ensure that the annual budget, approved by the Lodge, is not exceeded as a whole or for any category or budgeted item, except by resolution. The Treasurer will provide to the Trustees on a monthly basis a report that shall contain the approved annual budget (updated with any resolution adjustment). The report shall list the year to date expenses of the Lodge in each category and budgeted item; (10/4/00)

e) To assume supervision over the real property, stocks, bonds, and other holdings of the Lodge;

g) To meet with our investment advisor(s) and report to the Lodge at the Stated Communications for the months of February, May, August, and November the full status and condition of all properties and other matters under their supervision, together with their recommendations in relation thereto. (10/4/00)

It was m/s/p to pay Bro. Joe Oates $7.97 for cookies and muffins purchased for refreshments following this evening’s stated communication. Three pies have also been provided by the caterer.

The Secretary requested authorization to produce a legal-sized tri-fold, full color brochure designed to promote the fraternity and our lodge to prospective candidates for Freemasonry. These would be primarily distributed at Masonic information booths such as the Fremont and University street fairs. It was m/s/p to authorize funds for the production of an informational full-color brochure.

Musician Adam Creighton, on behalf of the family of our late Musician WBro. Orrin Niles, presented the lodge with WBro. Niles’ apron. The apron is an officers apron with the musical lyre on its front. The family bequeaths the framed apron with the proviso that it be properly displayed in the lodge building. WBro. Jim Lumsden, a member of the Greenwood Temple Board, affirmed that it could be displayed, and with that assurance, MWBro. Jorgensen graciously accepted the gift on behalf of the lodge.

The Secretary announced that a Masonic memorial service will be held at 2pm at Evergreen-Washelli cemetery, Tuesday, August 24, for our late WBro. Paul Wickward. He encouraged all brothers to attend.

WBro. Vinny DiGulio encouraged the brethren to attend a DeMolay Chevalier investiture this coming Saturday evening at 7pm at Ashlar Masonic Center in Bothell.

VWBro. Coe Morgan reported that brethren staffing the Fremont Fair Masonic information booth received completed response cards from thirty-three gentlemen expressing further interest in Masonry. Three of these cards were passed on to St. John's. This year, Grand Lodge will be awarding $100 to each Masonic information booth across the state. He further invited the brethren to attend Daylight Lodge’s stated communication this Saturday.

WBro. Neil Quinn invited the brethren to attend Rainier Lodge No. 189’s stated communication, Friday, September 10. VWBro. Tupper announced that Sulton – Monroe Lodge No. 160 will be reconstituting their lodge, Saturday, August 28^th.

Bro. Simon Letarte encouraged the brethren to take advantage of the educational Master Craftsman study program offered by the Scottish Rite. A brother need not be a member of the Scottish Rite to take advantage of several of these programs. The Master added that the Master Craftsman educational programs are similar in style to the Lodge Officers Management study program.

Bro. Harry Arthur asked about parking for the 150^th anniversary event at the Columbia Center. There is parking beneath the tower, with the garage entrance on Columbia between 4^th & 5^th Avenues. Additional parking is “across the street.”

Several brothers from our lodge will be attending the Garfield Lodge No. 41 Salmon BBQ and stated communication tomorrow evening. The Master will be presenting the Garfield brothers with the check to help repair their roof.

The Master conducted a drawing for several new items from the company store. Five members and two guests held winning tickets for an assortment of gifts.

VWBro. David Campbell addressed the brethren, expressing his appreciation for all those who attended the memorial service last Saturday for his wife Shirley Campbell, who passed away July 25^th.

The Master presented volumes I & II of the St. John's history to RWBro. Jerry Lingle, who brought greetings from MWBro. G. Santy Lascano, and expressed his delight at being able to sit with his brothers at St. John's. He closed by reciting a story with a fitting moral lesson.

The Master also expressed his appreciation to Bros. Louderback and Koteles, who sat in for our absent Senior Steward and Marshal. He invited RWBro. Lingle to close the lodge, and invited MWBro. Gale Kenney to sit in the West and MWBro. Sat Tashiro to sit in the South for the official closing of Lodge.

The minutes of this communication were read and approved in short form. There being no further business to come before this Lodge of Master Masons, the flag was retired and the Lodge closed in due and ancient form by the Right Worshipful Junior Grand Warden at 9:20pm, peace and harmony prevailing.